Spontaneous Pneumocephalus associated with leptomeningeal glioneuronal tumor in an adult; A rare case report

Abstract

Objective: To report a rare case of otogenic tension pneumocephalus as a complication of a diffuse leptomeningeal glioneuronal tumor in a patient with a ventriculoperitoneal (V. P.) shunt.

Patients: Twenty-three- year-old man with a confirmed diffuse leptomeningeal glioneuronal tumor diagnosis was treated for temporal bone defect and considerable pneumocephalus one year after V. P. shunt.

Interventions: The patient underwent a Transmastoid, retrolabyrinthine approach. The defect was closed with temporalis facia graft and conchal cartilage as a double-layer closure, and then DuraSeal® was placed over the repaired area.

Main outcome measures: Resolution of the pneumocephalus.

Results: There was a significant reduction in the pneumocephalus on the first day post-operatively.

Conclusions: Spontaneous or secondary pneumocephalus development should be considered in patients with brain tumors, hydrocephalus, and patients who undergo V.P. shunt insertion.

Keywords: Leptomeningeal; Neurotology; Pneumocephalus.